2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated, especially compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shared its platform but had more significant interior updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year with more aggressive exterior styling and a heavily reworked cabin.

Trims for the 2020 Durango included SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. The SXT came with 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT added 20-inch wheels, a sport-inspired grille, and remote start. The R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, rain-sensing wipers, and leather-and-suede upholstery. The Citadel was the luxury trim with unique chrome touches and a power moonroof. The SRT had a unique look with a more aggressive front fascia, auto-leveling headlights, and 20-inch black wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2020 model year, maintaining a familiar and comfortable feel. The interior was fresher than the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, with a significant upgrade in the form of an 11.6-inch portrait display on Premium and above trims. This display was bright, sharp, and integrated with polished black plastic and chrome trim. Quality was evident in the materials used, with Limited and Touring trims offering two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Onyx Edition XT featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of wildness to the otherwise conservative design.

The Outback's exterior featured high gray cladding on its wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, with smooth and plain styling. Changes for 2021 included a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights. The Outback remained a lifted wagon, offering a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs. Its design was practical, with a focus on functionality and durability.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT was equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim.

The V6 engine provided decent power for family hauling, while the 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration. The SRT's 392 V8 was a different beast, delivering strong low-end power and impressive high-speed performance. The SRT also featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, enhancing its handling capabilities. The Dodge SRT performance pages in the 8.4-inch touchscreen allowed for detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization, optimizing the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a significant upgrade with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a night-and-day difference in performance, offering smoother and quieter operation.

The Outback's handling was designed for long-distance cruising, with a comfortable ride and high ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system was proactive, driving all four wheels and reacting quickly to varying conditions. The X-Mode optimized the throttle, CVT ratio, stability control, and torque split for tougher road conditions, making the Outback highly capable off-road.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cabin provided ample space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, with easy access provided by large second-row doors and easy-fold seats.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive wheel arches. Headroom and legroom were ample in all seating positions, with comfortable and supportive seats. Outward visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console and passenger-side dash.

The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, allowing for easy installation and removal. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls, but the icons were large and the screen responsive. The Outback's interior was practical and well-designed, with thoughtful storage solutions and comfortable seating.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system's simplicity made it easy to switch between CarPlay and Uconnect screens. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly outdated. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern. Subaru EyeSight was standard on all trims, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions, affecting functionality.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were also available. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.